The Chicago Black Lives Matter Protest Collection are open for research in the Special Collections Reading Room; 1 box at a time (Priority III).

Ownership and Literary Rights

The Chicago Black Lives Matter Protest Collection are the physical property of the Newberry Library. Copyright may belong to the authors or their legal heirs or assigns. For permission to publish or reproduce any materials from this collection, contact the Roger and Julie Baskes Department of Special Collections.

#BlackLivesMatter is an online forum and chapter-based national organization founded in 2012 by Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi, and Alicia Garza. The phrase "Black Lives Matter" can reference a hashtag and a slogan, social movement, and loose confederation of affiliated groups and organizations that advocate for multiple causes related to racial injustice. According to the website blacklivesmatter.org, the movement describes its purpose as "build[ing] connections between Black people and our allies to fight anti-Black racism, to spark dialogue among Black people, and to facilitate the types of connections necessary to encourage social action and engagement."

The Chicago chapter of Black Lives Matter is active in organizing and participating in a variety of events related to racial injustice. Major events include a March 2015 protest at Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office for Chicago Police Department reforms, an October 2015 protest at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference, and a March 2016 protest of a Donald Trump rally.

Scope and Content of the Collection

Announcements, flyers, artwork, buttons, newsletters, photographs, posters, t-shirts, signs and other materials collected by various individuals at Chicago protests and rallies. Includes digital photographs taken by Chicago photographer Catherine Gass at various events including a Black Lives Matter protest and a Donald Trump campaign rally in Chicago.

Ephemeral materials collected at various protests and events surrounding the Chicago Black Lives Matter movement. Includes items such as artwork and signs, flyers, handbills, and announcements used or created for particular events. Other materials including newspapers, pamphlets, zines, and posters reflect the movement as a whole.